Sølve Sundsbø.
George Cortina.
Andreea Diaconu.
Vogue Japan

The strongest looks of the season come to life, in Sundsbø’s streamlined interpretation of athletic chic. Clad in barely there, Cortina selected pieces from Marc Jacobs, Azzedine Alaia and Prada, Andrea cuts a fine figure against the crystalline blue sky backdrop. Running in Tom Ford’s mile high heels isn’t a full-fledge sport yet, but Sundsbø’s beautiful shots  manage to make such impossible feats look downright appealing.

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A good story doesn’t need a lot of bells and whistles, sometimes the very best rely on tenants of simplicity. Willy Vanderperre (Paris: Management + Artists, New York: Management + Artists) creates an elegant exploration of denim in the latest Vogue Japan with a little help from master stylist George Cortina. Taking one of the most commonplace (and often boring) materials and making editorially relevant is no small feat, but Cortina pulls it off masterfully. On the backs of Marte Mei van Haaster, Katryn Kruger & Victor Nylander the pieces come alive and pared down hair and makeup by Anthony Turner and Lucia Pica add the final bit of polish to a story that feels effortless.

There are a lot of talented people on the scene, but it is rare to see a fresh photographer break through the glass ceiling. Let’s face it – most of the high profile work still goes to names like Testino / Lindbergh / Meisel, etc.  and while we love all those greats – charting the progress of newer talent can be riveting.  Daniele Duella and Iango Henzi are in the midst of an editorial moment right now, with beautiful work appearing in i-D Magazine, Vogue Japan, Vogue Germany and V Magazine.

The duo showcases a great deal of versatility within their work, but each image is marked by a certain off-kilter elegance. Whether it is China Machado carefully adding a Rick Owens hair comb to Shalom Harlow‘s up-do, or Natasha Poly posed like a debutante in seafoam Chanel, the pictures are always refined: every detail just so, not a hair out of place. Speaking of which, Danielle and Iango’s refined style is always enhanced by the genius hair stylings of their frequent collaborator Luigi Murenu.

Stylist: Patti Wilson | Hair: Luigi Murenu | Makeup: Stephane Marais | Models: Carolyn Murphy, Isabeli Fontana, Guinevere Van Seenus, Shalom Harlow & China Machado for i-D Magazine

Stylist: George Cortina | Hair: Luigi Murenu | Makeup: Jeanine Lobell | Model: Natasha Poly for Vogue Japan

Stylist: Joanne Blades | Hair: Luigi Murenu | Makeup: Karim Rahman | Casting: Julia Lange | Models: Eniko Mihalik, Snejana Onopka, Iris Strubegger & Karolina Kurkova for Vogue Germany

Sui He brings style to the pages of Vogue Japan in a striking series of images by Terry Richardson. Were used to seeing Terry’s signature snapshot style, but Sui’s presence adds a layer of elegance, even when she’s dressed in neon zebra print chosen by George Cortina.

Sølve Sundsbø.
Joan Smalls.
George Cortina.
A singularly beautiful story where styling and nature merge seamlessly. Look at the way the Haider Ackermann suit coordinates exactly with the lush vegetation, or how the texture of Joan’s shimmering Roberto Cavalli is almost identical to that of the bark on the tree she’s against. Flawless little details like this are what make Sundsbø’s work so memorable and this Vogue Japan story so charming.

Sølve Sundsbø.
George Cortina.
Edita Vilkeviciute.

A psychedelic and sensual tribute to richly patterned clothes and highly pigmented lipcolor that jumps off the pages of Vogue Japan. Another simply well done story from Sølve featuring some truly gorgeous makeup by Polly Osmond.

Making polka dots look classy is no small feat. The graphic circles are most often associated with retro kitsch rather than modern elegance, but George Cortina manages to create a series of beautiful looks on Saskia de Brauw in Mikael Jansson‘s story for Vogue Japan. Using pieces from Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs and McQueen, Cortina crafts ensembles that work perfectly with Saskia’s androgynous and refined persona.

HAIR Anthony Turner MAKEUP Mark Carrasquillo MANICURE Christina Conrad SET DESIGN Jean-Hughes de Chatillon

The seemingly unstoppable Daphne Groeneveld strikes again: the Dutch beauty’s striking Vogue Japan cover by Mario Sorrenti has her sporting a furry look from Miu Miu, a center part by crafted by Recine and a pair of seriously bleached brows. George Cortina‘s styling and subtle makeup by Aaron de Mey keep the picture sweet, but Daphne’s trademark glare prevents things from getting sugary.